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Friday 17 December 2010

Burberry Autumn/Winter 2011-2012

As a true champion, and fashion market leader, it is only right that we celebrate the super brand that is Burberry. Today sees the release of its Pre Fall 2011 collection and, in true Burberry style, it's a fashion force to be reckoned with.

Slinky Burberry vixens wore cinched trenches with rabbit fur stole-like shoulder detail and skin tight leather over knee boots. Always partial to a liberal legged trouser, I'm enthused by Christopher Kane's kick-flare accompaniments. Gem encrusted necklines, cuffs and pockets allowed for added opulence and a stylish solution to desk to dinner dressing. Faux Fur weaved it's way through the designs adding volume to linear silhouettes. All in all, a subtly sexy and sophisticated line up.

Here's my pick of the best looks from the collection:

Sunday 12 December 2010

Kate Middleton in Reiss

Sunday morning. If there was an image that was going to put a huge smile on my face, whilst I aid my G&T head, it was going to be these latest shots of the newly engaged Prince William and Kate Middleton. Both in a, never seen before, loving embrace shot by Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino. They look adorable, gorgeous and most importantly, relaxed, happy, secure and super in love. Although the ruling excitement, for me, is in fact that Kate is wearing my favourite brand Reiss. For me, the brand reflects Kate's understated, elegant and classic style perfectly. I wasn't enthralled with the Issa number Kate wore for the announcement of their engagement, although I didn't fail to recognise how beautiful she looked. This latest white dress, however, looks phenomenal. I'm now going to sit back and enjoy watching sales for the Reiss brand soar.

In the enduring clinch, above, Kate wears a blouse from Whistles where she once worked as as Assistant Buyer. This depiction of the royal couple is significant in that it conveys William and Kate's genuine love for one another. It's nonchalance lies in stark contrast to previous 'stiff and staged' royal couple portraits. You warm to the pair instantaneously. I love how Kate looks so proud to be in the arms of her prince charming. Genuinely pleased for our modern day prince and princess.


Friday 10 December 2010

Just in case elves don't do cheetahs...



This Christmas, fashion folk are suggesting gifts in the form of, errrrm, baby cheetahs? Apparently they're the new accessory as seen on the cover of January's US Harper's Bazaar and cradled in the arms of Miss Donaldson. Then there's the Cartier Ad, depicting yet another kitcsh kitty, only this one's feasting on the luxury trinket boxes - he can't do that! Down boy, heal...

I, on the other hand, have gift preferences of a less CATastrophic, more accessible, nature.

O.K, maybe not accessible, just yet, but I'm in training right now for my future of fear free designer splurges.

Burberry quilted Leather Jacket £1195
Because quilting is no longer the domain of old-fashioned dressing gowns and bedspreads. I love the contradicting comfort versus biker chic appeal of this jacket. The perfect overlay for a minimalistic ensemble of a calf length tube skirt and basic tee.

Christian Louboutin Decollete 100 Jazz Pumps £375
I apologise for the re itteration of my love for these Louboutins. Classic. Chic. Smart. Sexy. I will harp on until they're mine.

Thomas Wylde I-D Bracelet Boots £1340
These bracelet laced biker boots have got to be near the top of my list. I can't stop looking at them. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L

Lanvin Punk Lizard and Python Cuff £590
My love for reptile skin accessories will abate - over my dead body

River Island Masculine Loafer £34.99
I have waited a life time to find a pair of this exact form of loafer. Stylish, practical and affordable. I love sloany cool that's cheap.

Mulberry Tilly Bag
Me, the fashion world and his dog are waiting for Mulberry's latest creation. Forget the Roxanne, Bayswater and Alexa. Tilly is supple calf leather embossed with snake skin, gold buckles and chain straps...need I say more.

Zimmermann Ebony Rose Bikini £155
Because I need reminding that there are sunnier destinations out there, beyond all this snow and cold. This bikini top also reminds me of mermaids and how I once believed I was one with my crimped Daryl Hannah locks and lithe frame. Here's a picture to remind me of old me...

Thursday 2 December 2010

I Heart Sam Edelman Bootys

Dear Santa, I think I've been good this year...no, I definitely have. In any case, even bad girls deserve some bootylicious Edelman's. It's hard to pin down the perfect pair - ones that differ from the influx of samey styles. I want a luxe appeal to my boots. I like over-knee, which compliment my 40 incher pins. I like tough luxe: lustrous leather with elements of gold but not too much where tawdry comes in to play. Sam Edelman shoes have seen many page impressions, in the best glossies, since its inception in 2004. My search for the ultimate in footwear fetishisms has come to a satisfying and triumphant end. Sam's delectable bootys, which also come with signature inscribed soles, have given me reason to love this cold weather right now.

Visit http://www.samedelman.com/

Tuesday 30 November 2010

Time Is Luxury

At the appropriate time when luxury watches are experiencing a surge in profits, I thought I would share my love for wrist candy. I am currently coveting(sorry overused word) chunky, statement, 'don't mess with me' - mostly men's - watches. Never without a pretty basic ensemble of skinny trews, blazer and heels (no fuss, no frills and void of colour), I somehow think that a watch is the perfect accompaniment to offset such minimalism, don't you? My wrists resemble toothpicks so an unapologetic oversized face lined in swarovski crystals resting upon a thick enrobement of rose gold will be a terrific enhancement. If funds would allow my Christmas treat would be from watch master (handsome too) Mr Tateossian, but Asos have cheaper alternatives that will have to suffice - Michael Kors being my preferred choice.

(From top: Tateossian Rose & Black Gulliver £295, Tateossian Rose Gold Gulliver £390, Michael Kors Rose Gold £199, Marc by Marc Jacobs £150, La Mer £125)


Sunday 28 November 2010

Anna Sui at Liberty London


Anna Sui will be at Liberty London at 6.30pm on Wednesday 1st December, signing her book 'Anna Sui' by Andrew Bolton. She will be accompanied by Naomi Campbell, a long standing friend and who features in the book.

The tome is to mark Anna's twenty years in fashion, a celebration of all that is haute boho. Expect a plethora of baby doll dresses, paisley prints and fringing - elements that are synonymous with the Anna Sui aesthetic.

The Spring/Summer 2011 collection was a retrospective of Anna's work, which has consistently channelled that feminine allure infused with a rock and roll edge. Handkerchief hems laced with fringing sashayed around chopstick thin thighs, whimsical dresses juxtaposed laced leather boots and crochet, checks, ruffles and lace prevailed. With the current manifestation of doldrum shades and minimalism, Anna's riotous prints and contradictory sartorial pursuits are the long awaited antidote. Summer we beckon you.

Friday 26 November 2010

The Independent Design Store


We've all fallen prey to a friend running straight to the source of where we
made an amazing sartorial discovery. Forget it being a complimentary
manoeuvre, more like thwarting your efforts to carry a look that's personal
and stealing your individual style credentials.
The Independent Design Store is the perfect antidote to extinguish such
ashion anxieties. theIDstore.co.uk is a unique online shopping concept that
allows independent designers to sell their creations to all who eschew
blending in amongst a sea of mass produced pieces. Whilst fashion lovers
gain access to elusive garments, young designers are
also in a place to gain exposure for their brand. Customers can browse the
site and stumble across dresses, footwear, accessories and more that will
promise a look that is exclusively yours. Our favourite treasure chest find
has been the cute Barrel Bag by Rosie Stallard. Each Italian leather receptacle
is lined with a vintage scarf so no bag is the same. Just when we though internet
shopping couldn't get more exciting.

Visit www.theidstore.co.uk

Wednesday 24 November 2010

The demise of the newspaper (possibly)


Reading. It's something that I wish I had indulged in more as a child. I remember quite vividly sitting, cross legged (my gangly pins were never meant for that bloody position, forced upon you at school) watching the 'boffs' being awarded their Book Club gold badge for reading one hundred books. At the time I wasn't envious, probably more so of them being able to get up in front of the whole school and shake the headmaster's hand. I was a quivering wreck if I had to do so much as stand in front of a crowd.

When I look back, I wish I had showed more of an interest in reading. That and wishing my attention span lasted beyond the first chapter of the Poddington Peas. I much preferred the back page where each and every pea stood to attention for their mug-shot. My favourites were Pc Pod, SweetPea and SkipPea. My early years got off to a good start. I have memories of books that I was fond of: 'Spot the Dog', 'Care Bears' and 'Hairy Mclary from Donaldson's Dairy'. I remember creeping around the local village library, searching for the coolest books that would inspire me to become like the kids of 'Book Club'. Sweet Valley High Twins were cool books but they obviously didn't inspire enough. I can't remember finishing one. The intention was there.

Then, as teenagers do, I became slightly obsessed with beautiful things. I never felt beautiful as a teenager. I didn't have boyfriends because I was too tall. I was constantly reminded of my 'moomin' features: a long oval face and googly eyes. My ears poked through my lacklustre dirty blonde hair and I would turn the deepest crimson innumerable times in one day. I even tried my luck at modelling. I thought that I could use my height to my advantage and as many people suggested, because of my height (obviously), I actually believed that I could be a model, a beautiful model. Still, those dreams were thwarted after several trips to time wasting castings and promises of work. My dear parents even took me to Select Model Management in London, right at the time when 'Babewatch', the modelling documentary that founded Vernon Kay, was essential viewing. He even walked past us whist I hopelessly tried to forge a non existent career for myself. The man who had the sorry job of taking pity upon me was more interested in my Dad - obviously gay. It just wasn't meant to be.

Then clothes came to the fore. Throughout my teenage years I never wanted to be the same as everybody else. I was determined to look different and always wanted to look older. I suppose my height was an insecurity that I disguised with clothes. I felt like I looked older than most of my school peers so I dressed accordingly. Being different brought a sense of empowerment. I felt confident. I enjoyed looking and being (my birthday was September 1) the oldest. I developed a penchant for clothes that would perpetuate this surge of confidence, which then manifested into a huge desire to pursue fashion as a career.

When I turned 17 I embarked on a Fashion Design course at the London College of Fashion, followed by short courses in fashion journalism, numerous voluntary internships for magazines, newspapers and fashion PR companies, a degree in fashion journalism and where I was once adverse to reading anything that required effort, I am now a fully trained fashion journalist. I’m an avid reader of the Financial Times (progress from Hairy McClary wouldn't you say?) and my knowledge has ushered in a great degree of confidence. In fact, on a daily basis, my life consists of me being immersed in all of the literature that I can physically consume, which segues conveniently into my next revelation. I love reading newspapers.

Somebody once told me that having a love for fashion alone wouldn’t bring me success. I have, over the years abandoned the tabloids and pursued upmarket titles. I have come to appreciate the writings of Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune, the Financial Times' Vanessa Friedman, the Telegraph's columnist and Senior Editor of Vogue US Sarah Mower and Lisa Armstrong of the Times. They are all style commentators but equally, and so brilliantly, informative and engaging in their writing styles. Without meaning to patronize them, they're knowledge of the wider spectrum of media, society, economics, politics etc is evident and it is absorbing such quality journalism that inspires me to read widely.

I am testament to the old adage that knowledge brings confidence. I enjoy reading. I enjoy learning and understanding the fashion market and the neighboring industries that influence it, the movers and shakers of the retail industry and what’s in store for the industry that is of great economical importance. As silly as it sounds, I actually enjoy my commute in and out of London every week day. It allows me time (which is scarce) to catch up on information that is relevant to me and my life. Today I learnt that David Cameron drinks the same energy boosting vitamin drink as me, Berocca. Whilst he also acknowledges, like I do, the fact that it turns your pee an illuminating shade of yellow. It is to know such crucial details like this that will send my career soaring to dizzy heights. Joking aside, sometimes it is small snippets of news and information, of greater importance, that enlightens and educates me and I like knowing.

With the rise of the popularity of the internet I now receive my news via RSS (Really Simple Syndication), which feeds all of your chosen websites into one newsreader. In the morning this enables me to direct my cursor to relevant news pieces with one hand, whilst drinking my berocca in the other. Although these modern web conveniences are, well, convenient – I still can’t see myself without my commuting companion. The Evening Standard recently reported the market fall of 23.6% over the past decade for sales of the five up market papers. Could it be that over the next ten years we'll all be packed into cable cars (Boris Johnson's next venture) and equipped with ipads - not a flimsy papery thing in sight?

Sunday 21 November 2010

Suzy Menkes Talks To Victoria Beckham




Watch Suzy and her idiosyncratic doo talk to Vic about a 'possible' VB Menswear collection (or not) and Vic's view on fashion and the web. I have always favoured Victoria's 'unfussy femininity' approach to fashion. She remains a celebrity who has been consistent in her sartorial pursuits. Even before the tsunami of effortless chic crashed down on us, Victoria was channelling the understated look. I used to avoid making the announcement that she was my style icon but now I will say it with pride. I don't care if she works the solemn facial expression, I would if I had the paps tarnishing my prim appearance with their bolshy and invasive ways. I agree Suzy, "All hail queen Victoria".

Thursday 14 October 2010

Happy 10th Birthday Myla


Myla, the leading name in luxury lingerie, will mark a flourishing and flirty ten years in business with a model search. In association with Next Model Management, Myla are on a quest to find someone who personifies the spirit of the brand. The undiscovered Beauty will exude all of the glamour, elegance and feminine allure that holds Myla at the forefront of exquisite lingerie design.

The winner will relish being an ambassador for a prestigious name in the luxury lingerie market as well as being the face of its anniversary collection (available in stores November.) There will also be the possibility of a contract with Next Model Management and an invitation to attend Myla’s 10th anniversary celebration in London.

The initial stages of the competition are already well under way with castings having taken place in Manchester and Edinburgh. Final opportunities to be considered will be hosted in Leeds tomorrow (9th October) and London (16th October) where the winner will be selected at the Myla boutique at Westfield.

Details about the competition can be found at www.myla.com/model-search

Article for Stylebible.com:

http://www.stylebible.com/Establishment/Fashion/FashionNews.aspx?newsid=368073f7-c911-4866-bacf-dd66496cdfe0









Tuesday 24 August 2010

Lingerie especially for the Fox and Rose in us

The soon-to-be-launched designer underwear retailer Fox & Rose today invited lingerie lovers to sign up to its members’ club, entitled Fox & Rose 7th Floor. Members will reap the benefits of exclusive access to sales and events, throughout the season, as well 10% discount on all lingerie ranges. The Fox & Rose brand will promote leading names in lingerie design such as Fifi Chachnil, Fleur of England and numerous other purveyors of coquettish smalls.

As underwear remains an integral part of any woman’s dress regime Fox & Rose’s indispensable style advise is set to garner much interest. Whilst internet shopping is devoid of the ability to try pieces on Fox & Rose will do all of the work for you.
The site will feature comprehensive videos illustrating exactly how items fit different body shapes and how they can work with prevailing clothing trends. It’s imperative advice that a women would welcome.

The name Fox & Rose is inspired by the online store’s customer. Every woman has two sides: The Fox is drawn to seductive, racier items, The Rose to elegant, more understated pieces – Fox & Rose responds to both sides of a woman’s character, catering for different occasion and moods.

Visit www.foxandrose.com to receive your covetable members perks. Subscription is only available until the site launches in early September 2010.



Article for stylebible.com
http://www.stylebible.com/Establishment/Fashion/FashionNews.aspx?newsid=caf07863-3d86-4967-a760-4c217971d8ec

Vivienne Westwood has a treat in (Selfridges) store for shoe aficionados

As if a Selfridge's Shoe Lounge, due to open in September, wasn’t enough to ignite a frenzy. Additional intrigue comes in the form of a Vivienne Westwood shoe retrospective. The exhibition, named Vivienne Westwood Shoes: An Exhibition – 1973-2010 celebrates the unique talent and design expertise of one of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers. It encapsulates the inimitable vision that the designer has sustained along with her favourable notion to not be bound by conventions.

Designs such as the extremely vertiginous blue Gillie that sent Naomi Campbell tumbling on the catwalk in 1993 are displayed. More recent creations from her collaboration with rubber designer Melissa have also taken stage along with the Pirate boots that have remained a footwear perennial since their inception in 1981.

The extensive selection of fanciful footwear will be displayed in Selfridges’ permanent arts and exhibition space The Ultralounge from August 26 to September 22 and features 200 designs spanning over 30 years of Vivenne Westwood’s career. The exhibition is a story of designs and dreams ensconced in the largest shoe emporium ever seen in the UK. It’s a not-to-be-missed manifestation of the one item that Westwood considers to be the ultimate fetish object: shoes.

Super Elevated Gillie

Mary Jane

Pirate Boot

Rocking Horse

Toile Print Boot

Article for Stylebible.com
http://stylebible.com/Establishment/Fashion/FashionNews.aspx?newsid=29be24e9-9f97-438e-ab38-8e10d04fd96b

Thursday 19 August 2010

Everybody wants A Bit Of Acne

If only the brand name was as desirable as the clothes. Fear not because it's not a referral to the notorious teenage kind but simply an abbreviation for Ambition for Creative Novel Expressions. Imaginative huh? Makes you stop and think, which is a clever move Mr Jonny Johansson. This Swedish brand has had me hooked since I stumbled across it whilst interning at Yellowdoor - the PR agency in charge of raising the Acne profile. Initially, I was over-impressed with the long length of Acne jeans. Always a thumbs-up for lanky-legged me. Then came the consistent impressive nods when each and every garment wafted that effortlessly stylish air. Fashion's infatuation with sumptuous leather is uniquely reflected in Acne's A/W 2010 range. Our lust for a leather dress is satisfied with the coveted Alpa and Ara (see images).
My penchant for a streamlined silhouette with added contemporary volume has me loving Acne's Callisto 2 oversized jacket. Amalgamated with the infamous Acne skinny jean and their contrasting chunky structured footwear this is a brand that's definitely winning in the style stakes.


ALP LEATHER DRESS £850
Strapless Leather Cocktail Dress


ARA LEATHER DRESS £785
Strapless A-line Bustier Dress


CALLISTO 2 £320
Oversized T-Shaped Jacket


CALDER 2 £370
Raw Edged Unconstructed Leather Blazer


HYBRIA SUEDE £405
High suede Wedge Ankle Boots


VEGA GREY £315
Chunky Pumps With Contrasting Heel

http://www.acnestudios.com/

Thursday 12 August 2010

Best Boots

I have a slight obsession for over-knee boots. Thankfully, designers have ushered in a whole load more to tantalise my taste for excessive footwear. For me, Stella McCartney's studded knee-high Boots represent the best in boots this season.



£425 Available at Matches.com